‘Affordability payments’ from the provincial government are now accessible for eligible families and seniors

Starting Wednesday last week, eligible Albertans could apply for their chunk of a $2.8 billion funding platform from the provincial government. Aimed at lessening the effects of inflation, the funding will be spread out over six months ($100/month per eligible person). At a recently held news conference, Alberta’s Minister of Affordability and Utilities, Matt Jones, said the mission was to help keep Alberta affordable.

“Parents are buying less food, less nutritious food, and they are struggling to keep their children in the activities they need and love. Seniors are choosing between paying their utility bills and getting their prescriptions refilled, and Albertans on core support programs are stretching their already limited budgets to make ends meet. Our government committed to help Albertans face this affordability crisis both through significant broad-based relief and now through $600 in targeted support to help those who need it most.”

Jones said the money would get into the hands of Albertans quickly. “I’m pleased to announce that eligible Albertans will be able to apply for and receive affordability payments by the end of this month.” He also explained that the over 300,000 Albertans already receiving monthly benefits through an Alberta core support program, such as AISH, PDD, the Alberta Seniors Benefit, and Foster/Kinship Caregivers, would receive their payments without needing to apply.

“All other eligible seniors 65 and up and parents with children under 18 (household incomes under $180,000) can apply for their payments through an easy two-step process,” he said. Residents must register for or confirm a verified account through www.Alberta.ca or visit an office (info below). Applications began being accepted on January 18.

Mickey Amery, Alberta’s Minister of Children’s Services, also spoke at the conference. “We know that parents are forced to make choices they should not have to make, and we want to help. Thanks to our strong fiscal position in this province, we are doing everything we can to ease some of the burden for Alberta families.”

He said that as a parent, he understands how perceptive children can be. “They can see the worry on their parent’s faces and hear it in their parent’s voices when they are trying to make ends meet. We hope kids won’t have to overhear those tough conversations about what might be cut in their households. Things like school activities that give children so much joy while supporting their overall health and wellbeing.”

Amery said he hoped the targeted affordability payments would benefit children by reducing pressures on their parents and caregivers, allowing them to “just be kids.” For a family with three children under 18, the funding would amount to $300 monthly from January to June, totalling $1800. Amery also said that he is confident the payments and other affordability measures will make a meaningful difference. “This year, we want to see more families focus on what matters most, spending time with each other.”

Minister Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation, was the final minister to speak during the conference. “It is the largest initiative of its kind in Canada. As part of this plan, we are working to implement one of the biggest and most complex financial benefit programs in Alberta’s history. Delivering $600 in payments over six months to millions of Albertans to ease the pressure on household budgets caused by runaway inflation, and it’s important that we get it right.”

Glubish said his department had worked on the portal for the last two months. He added that they had considered using the Canada Revenue Agency’s financial systems to implement it but decided not to. “If we were to use the CRA financial systems, payments to eligible Albertans would be delayed until at least April, if not longer, and this is simply not acceptable. We heard loud and clear that Albertans need help now, and that is why we have taken this approach.”

When asked how the government settled on $100, Jones explained that they looked at the “estimated incremental burden that inflation is placing on families on a per child basis.” He said the cost was around $90 per month. When asked if he felt the money would be a difference-maker, Jones said he hoped so. “Certainly, the intent is to provide children and families with as much flexibility and normalcy as possible. It’s important to note that this is just one component of our Affordability Action Plan. We are providing up to $500 per household in electricity rebates. We are providing fuel tax relief, natural gas rebates and electricity price protection, and we’ve lowered income tax. This is one component to our Affordability Action Plan, and a very large component for families, but there’s a lot more also going out to support families.”

The total cost of the payments, within the $2.8 billion Affordability Action Plan, is roughly $900 million and is anticipated to impact about 2.5 million Albertans. The provincial government allocated the funding in their budget. Conversations are also occurring on auto insurance rates and the rising cost of post-secondary education, with further information coming soon.

Premier Danielle Smith said though Alberta can’t solve the inflation issue alone, the balanced budget and strong fiscal position allow her government to help. “We can offer substantial relief so that Albertans and their families are better able to manage through this storm.”

Whitecourt and area residents who are unable to or prefer not to apply online can visit the Alberta Supports office in the Midtown Mall. Hours are extended until February 3 to accommodate those seeking to apply for funding. The office will be open from 8:15 am until 8 pm (breaks for lunch between 12-1 pm), Monday through Friday, and Saturdays from 9 am to 3 pm.